It's the first day of work for 150 people Wednesday, as Cherokee Casino Sallisaw opened its doors to the public for the very first time at noon
The 22,000-square-foot casino will offer entertainment and excitement, with 220 electronic games, nine poker and blackjack tables, live music and the Back 40 Bar and Grill, David Stewart, Cherokee Nation Enterprises (CNE) chief executive officer, said. CNE operates the Cherokee Casinos
Stewart, who is originally from Sallisaw, said the one-of-a-kind Cherokee Chopper, built by the Orange County Choppers team, will be at the opening of Cherokee Casino Sallisaw, and remain there until June 26.
Stewart said, "Not only is the Cherokee Casino Sallisaw bringing entertainment to the community, it also benefits the community in many other ways. Local job fairs were held over the past few months to recruit the top candidates to represent Cherokee Casino Sallisaw. In all, 150 new employees joined the Cherokee Casino team. Cherokee Casino offers those employees competitive pay and sound benefits, including full medical and dental insurance as well as 401k matching.
"Jobs are fundamental to keeping our Cherokee communities and culture strong," Stewart said. "By creating jobs in Sallisaw, it will be easier for people to stay in their home communities and work. The Sallisaw facility represents a major investment by the Cherokee Nation in the economic future of the whole county."
Construction of Cherokee Casino Sallisaw lasted nearly one year and cost $6.6 million. It is the Cherokee Nation's seventh gaming facility.
"The construction of this facility is consistent with our strategy to provide quality gaming facilities and jobs throughout the 14 counties," Stewart said. "Guests of our Sallisaw location will receive the same level of guest service they receive at other Cherokee casinos."
Cherokee Casino Sallisaw is contributing to the community in a different way as well. Of the 220 electronic games, 106 are compacted games. A portion of the revenue from compacted games provides additional funding to Oklahoma schools, Stewart pointed out. Stewart said, "Adults are invited to come and enjoy the good times at Cherokee Casino Sallisaw, located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 59 and Interstate 40 Exit 308. For more information call (800) 760-6700 or visit the Web site at www.cherokeecasino.com.
